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Meaningful Productivity That Connects This Life With The HereafterThu, 17 Aug 2017 14:10:40 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1Meaningful Productivity That Connects This Life With The HereafterProductiveMuslim.comcleanProductiveMuslim.compodcast@productivemuslim.compodcast@productivemuslim.com (ProductiveMuslim.com)Meaningful Productivity That Connects This Life With The HereafterProductiveMuslim.comhttp://productivemuslim.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpghttp://productivemuslim.com
38978169ProductiveMuslimhttps://feedburner.google.comYour Plan for Dhul Hijja: A Guide to Invest the Best 10 Days of The Yearhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/OU6RH3hHHI4/
http://productivemuslim.com/plan-dhul-hijja-guide/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 14:10:40 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=15311We know you want to do your best in the exceptional days of Dhul Hijja, so we’ve compiled this post to help you out! AlhamduliAllah, once again, it’s Hajj season, and the first 10 days of Dhul Hijja, regarded as the most blessed days of the year, are upon us. We’re grateful we’ve been granted

We know you want to do your best in the exceptional days of Dhul Hijja, so we’ve compiled this post to help you out!

AlhamduliAllah, once again, it’s Hajj season, and the first 10 days of Dhul Hijja, regarded as the most blessed days of the year, are upon us. We’re grateful we’ve been granted the honor to live those precious days again. Every productive and dedicated Muslim out there is thinking about how to best experience these blessed days and maximize on the rewards that come with them in this life and the next.

The Prophet said:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked , “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

So, we’ve compiled our top Dhul Hijja articles to help you have a practical plan for the 10 days; we are also sharing our most inspiring Hajj articles for those who want to spend their time learning more about Hajj and spiritually connecting with those performing the blessed journey right now.

An Inspiring Hajj Talk by Abu Productive

We hope that this guide has helped you. Please share with us your most inspiring Hajj season memories, duas you’ve made in Arafa that have been answered, and any super tips you have that could help our brother and sisters here. The comments’ section is all yours.

]]>http://productivemuslim.com/plan-dhul-hijja-guide/feed/0hajj-season-inspiration-part-2-7-ways-to-stone-shaytan-out-of-your-life-600Photo Credit: twitter[dot]com/hamad_alzakiba/ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ProductiveMuslim-Hajj-Ultimate-PostImage Credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu MustafaProductiveMuslim-Hajj-Ultimate-PostImage credit: flickr[dot]com/photos/149338007@N03/15311http://productivemuslim.com/plan-dhul-hijja-guide/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=plan-dhul-hijja-guide​10 Tips to Promote an Active Lifestyle for Your Childrenhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/qDHvAg6PnBA/
http://productivemuslim.com/promote-active-lifestyle-children/#commentsThu, 17 Aug 2017 05:00:10 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=13098 Obesity has become a real issue that many families are struggling with. The question is: what are we doing to ensure our children have the best health and lifestyle possible? Prophet Muhammad said, “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few

Obesity has become a real issue that many families are struggling with. The question is: what are we doing to ensure our children have the best health and lifestyle possible?

Prophet Muhammad said,

“A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.” [Related by At-Tirmidhi]

And He also said:

“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Good health is not a luxury; our religion puts much emphasis on maintaining good health as it affects our overall well being: spiritually, personally, socially and professionally. It is because of our good health that we are able to fulfill our worship, look after our families, and succeed in our dunya aspirations.

While health issues can be tests from Allah , our behavior and habits play a major role in prevention and cure. Our health behaviors start from our tender years of childhood. Sudden changes to the types of food we eat, our activity levels, and our mindset towards our health can be extremely difficult as our habits become ingrained within us, and we don’t think about them often.

We, as parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones of children, want nothing more than to help our children grow into strong, pious, and healthy adults. Though sometimes it can be difficult for us to pinpoint how we can do this, especially if we are leading less-than-healthy lifestyles ourselves. Here we will discuss some simple tips and techniques that we can easily incorporate for better results, insha’Allah.

1. Have active toys

Childhood is about playing with toys of all kinds. Be creative with the toys you purchase for your kids; jumping ropes and balls are just some simple examples. These can be played with alone or in groups, making them a great way to get your children running around and active.

2. Limit electronic time

In the modern day, most children have moved away from traditional board games and outdoor play and towards computer games, laptops, and smartphones. Though there are many benefits of these electronic devices, they are potentially damaging to the social development of a child as well as to the physical eyesight of the child. Limiting the time spent on these items is key; this does not mean you have to stop them from playing such games, but encouraging a balance between active and non-active play is important.

3. Include their ideas

The common mistake is to dictate what “healthy” food to eat. This makes it difficult to uphold a particular dietary change. Always ask your children what they would like to eat and work with them to adapt their diets and behaviors. They may suggest to sit while playing on their games console; perhaps getting them a game that requires them to be on their feet and active may be a midpoint.

4. Find a fun activity

There are many groups and facilities that offer a range of sports and activities. Finding one that your child likes or is interested in is a great way to promote physical activity. Many of them can be done as a family: horse-riding, archery, swimming, rock climbing, and many more. Not only does this give you an opportunity to spend some quality time together as a family, but it also shows to your children that you are all upholding these behaviors rather than just expecting the children do to it.

5. Make mealtimes fun

Trying to encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits can be tough. This does not have to be something that comes across as boring; cut your fruits into objects that your child likes. Get your children involved in making the meals. Insha’Allah, this will promote the skill of cooking their own nutritious meals.

6. Make your cupboards balanced

Banning junk food outright can be a difficult thing to do. Instead, opt not to buy such food in bulk. Keep your cupboards and fridge stocked with fruits, yogurts, nuts, and other healthy snacks along with some of their favorite junk food. Without large amounts of chocolates and sweets to grab at, they are much more likely to pick up something that is naturally sweet and nutritious!

7. Give reasons for labeling things as ‘good’ and ‘bad’

We often label things as “good” or “bad” without giving an explanation to the child as to why this is the case. When it comes to food, link the “good” food to things your child is interested in. For example, if your child wants to do really well at school, explain eating a good breakfast helps you stay alert and do better at schoolwork. Also, perhaps they want to excel in their favorite sport. Explaining to them the value of protein based foods such as beans and meat to maintain strength may spark an interest in foods they are normally picky with.

8. Go on foot

One of the simplest forms of exercise is walking. Many people grow up with constant lifts in their parents’ cars or use of public transport. Promoting walking from a young age is a great way to help maintain some minimal activity in a person’s life, at any age. Try walking home when picking them up from school or when you go to visit family. If you are traveling a long distance, park your car somewhere that requires at least a 5-minute walk.

9. Slow and steady wins the race!

When changing the household habits, it should be kept in mind that small steps lead to sustainable changes. Maybe begin with removing most of the junk food in your house and replacing it with fruits and healthy snacks. The following week, introduce walking to school rather than taking the car. All of these small steps add up and should not be belittled. This being said, there is no problem with allowing treats every so often, such as a chocolate bar or a favorite meal. The important point is to not make these a regular, daily occurrence.

10. Most importantly, lead by example!

The teachings and environment we experience as children play vital roles in helping us develop into the adults that we are. We take a large number of childhood habits through into adulthood. Many of these habits are developed as a direct result of seeing adults in our surroundings doing the exact same thing. The mind of a young child is impressionable; this can be both a positive and negative thing depending on what it is s/he is exposed to.

When encouraging them to eat fruits, vegetables and get involved in sports, show them that you are also doing the same. Do not sit in front of them, eating foods that you are reducing in their diets such as cakes and sweets. This, not only makes them feel as if it is a punishment to not have the foods, they will not accept and believe comments such as “fruits are better for you” or “cakes are not good for your health”. This can be taken as a challenge to improve your own habits and behaviors for the sake of your health and children. RasulAllah said,

“… a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them;…” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

What are your tips to promote an active lifestyle at home? Share them with us in the comments!

]]>http://productivemuslim.com/promote-active-lifestyle-children/feed/1A girl running on a beautiful geometrical pattern made of stones on the courtyardṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)13098http://productivemuslim.com/promote-active-lifestyle-children/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=promote-active-lifestyle-childrenHow to Overcome Being Constantly Paranoidhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/G6BO_Qck-bA/
http://productivemuslim.com/overcoming-paranoia-productively/#commentsThu, 10 Aug 2017 12:35:30 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=15044Have you ever experienced any of the following thoughts? “They’re looking at me in such a strange way, they definitely don’t like me…” “They have clearly seen my message and not responded… I must have annoyed them somehow, what did I do? Let me ask them if they’re mad at me.” “That person is definitely

“They’re looking at me in such a strange way, they definitely don’t like me…”

“They have clearly seen my message and not responded… I must have annoyed them somehow, what did I do? Let me ask them if they’re mad at me.”

“That person is definitely out to sabotage me, I just know it…”

If you’re constantly thinking like this, you might have received a comment that you are being “paranoid”.

Paranoia refers to someone who feels excessively suspicious without justification and feels that others might be plotting against them. They read too much into what people say with a negative point of view. As a result, their overall emotional state gets negatively affected. They might feel depressed, anxious, and have low-self-esteem.

If you’re currently experiencing these thoughts, you’re not alone. Almost all of us experience some sort of paranoia at some point in our lives. But it’s about time we address this issue constructively and learn how to overcome it.

Some of the reasons why people get paranoid is a strong belief that they’re in danger and that their safety is in question. Paranoia is thought to be partly genetic and partly the result of certain events that happen to us in our lives. Distressing or traumatizing experiences that we have encountered can play a role into our paranoia. These negative thoughts cause irrational fears and drain our energy and positivity.

Before looking into paranoia, we need to acknowledge the importance of mental health and how crucial it is to our well being. Paranoia can require professional help, and if this is the case for you, then do not hesitate to get help.

For now, let’s discuss a few tips on how to avoid negative thoughts.

1. Develop the habit of husnul-dhan (positive assumption)

Our Prophet has encouraged the practice of having a good opinion of others, and always assuming the best of them. We are asked to think positive about others such that Allah has recorded negative assumption in His Book as a sin.

Sometimes we automatically assume the worst in others and this fuels unsubstantiated paranoia. For some, this is considered the equivalent to being gullible, however, if we constantly assume that people are out to get us, it causes mind games that further exacerbate and fuel negative thoughts. To constantly suspect others drains your energy and steals your happiness away.

In the very same verse, Allah shows us the way to get rid of assuming bad things of others:

Instantly seeking His forgiveness when the impulse from Shaytaan touches us can help us get rid of negative thinking.

2. Avoid backbiting

“.. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 49, Verse 12]

There is divine wisdom behind backbiting being forbidden in Islam. Not only does backbiting negatively affect relationships, but it is also a two-way harmful act which plants seeds of suspicion and animosity. Taking part in spreading rumors or even discussing them puts you at risk of becoming paranoid.

Silence or even a delay in a response from someone you have spoken about triggers paranoia inside you where you worry that they know. Your first assumption is that the other person is mad at you.

3. Do not tolerate backbiting around you

Yes, I’m bringing up backbiting again, it’s that toxic! If you have friends or family members who regularly gossip, walk away. This might feel strange at first, you may feel bad, confused or even guilty to an extent that you feel nervous to get up, let alone walk away. But remember, you’re not the one who is doing something wrong, so stick to your guns, because you’re right!

If you’re more comfortable explaining that what they’re doing is wrong, in a way that they would listen and respect your position, then that definitely works. People will not bring up negative things around you when you tell them what you think about backbiting. This will help bring positive vibes your way and keep the negative ones at bay.

4. Avoid negative people

Disconnect yourself from those who bring you down, as paranoia is fueled by negative thoughts. Different people have different energies. Sometimes we stay in the company of people who are constantly pessimistic and cynical and we leave them feeling low and uninspired, maybe even worthless. Constantly being in the company of these people might affect your well-being and contribute to paranoia. Leave them (if possible) and look for those who make you feel valued and appreciated. There wouldn’t be a reason to question their intentions because you know they wish you well.

Allah also teaches us how to avoid people spreading negativity – by being patient, saying words of peace and then walking away.

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace” [Qur’an: Chapter 25, Verse 63]

5. Anticipate goodness and you will surely find it

Anticipatory anxiety is a negative projection about an unknown outcome and everyone experiences this with varying intensities. A low level of anticipatory anxiety motivates us to work hard and pray more sincerely. But when it causes an increased level of anxiety, we start to lose control of things. It even leads to physical issues like an upset stomach, fatigue or severe back pain. But anticipating goodness is deep-rooted in our faith.

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah reported:

I heard the Prophet saying three days before his death: “Let none of you die unless he has good expectations from Allah “. [Muslim]

Anticipating goodness has been found by modern psychologists to be a primary factor to start a positive change. Positive thoughts have been proved to have the power to create positive outcomes. Think positive. In every experience, there is a Divine wisdom.

How to develop the habit of anticipating goodness? There are many ways but the following, bi’ithniLlah, is a very powerful one: Thank Allah for the positive results even before starting to do something. Have you ever noticed “Thanking you in advance” in the application letters? Yes, the same! For instance, if you are preparing for your exams, say “AlhamduliAllah that You are there to help me”, “AlhamduliAllah that You are going to make it easier than I thought”, “AlhamduliAllah that by Your Mercy I am going to get a good result”, etc.

6. Have tawakkul

Believe that Allah has a plan for you and that He knows what you’re going through. He is our Protector, and if people wish us harm and it is not written for us then it will never happen.

“Say, “Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the faithful should put their trust.” [Qur’an: Chapter 9, Verse 51]

As Muslims, we believe that relying on Allah and believing in His decree are crucial in our lives.

Ubadah bin al Samit said to his son:
Son! You will not get the taste of the reality of faith until you know that what has come to you could not miss you, and that what has missed you could not come to you.
I heard the Messenger of Allah say: The first thing Allah created was the pen. He said to it: Write.
It asked: What should I write, my Lord?
He said: Write what was decreed about everything till the Last Hour comes.
Son! I heard the Messenger of Allah say : He who dies on something other than this does not belong to me. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

However, we must understand it correctly. We need to make sure that we do our part first. We believe that Allah will not burden us with more than what we can handle, so we need to try our best, and ensure that we are trying to improve our situation and whatever is beyond our control we trust that Allah will take care of us. Once we practice tawakkul in every aspect of our lives, it will reduce paranoia significantly, because you don’t fear tribulations that come your way, instead, you recognize that Allah is with you in this struggle and that through it and after it will come ease.

7. Keep yourself busy

Schedule enjoyable and absorbing activities for the times of the day when you are most prone to worry. If you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep because of worrying thoughts, try to wind down by reading a book, or listening to something soothing, such as your favorite Qur’an reciter. We are also advised to read our evening adhkar that will protect us before we go to sleep. Once you’ve distracted yourself from negative thoughts before you know it, you will fall asleep feeling safe and protected, and that would help reduce your paranoid thoughts.

8. Seek help

Speak to your GP, or a mental health professional. If you feel like paranoia is interfering with your day-to-day life and is really affecting you, reach out to your GP, or a mental health organization/specialist near you. You can get help to manage your negative thoughts and it will give you a chance to share what you’re feeling with someone else, without the fear of judgment.

Now tell us, have you ever experienced paranoia? Or, do you know anyone struggling with paranoia? What are your methods to overcome it? Share with us in the comments to benefit others!

]]>http://productivemuslim.com/overcoming-paranoia-productively/feed/6Qurratulainsubḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)15044http://productivemuslim.com/overcoming-paranoia-productively/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=overcoming-paranoia-productively9 Tips to Revive the Sunnah of Siwak (Miswak) Todayhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/J2gvmWh_YMs/
http://productivemuslim.com/reviving-sunnah-siwak/#respondMon, 07 Aug 2017 05:00:23 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=14997The siwak has recently started to surface as a trend in the European market, but it is, in fact, one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that he promoted over 1400 years ago. The siwak, also known as miswak, is a small stick used to brush the teeth and it has innumerable health benefits. Our

The siwak has recently started to surface as a trend in the European market, but it is, in fact, one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that he promoted over 1400 years ago.

The siwak, also known as miswak, is a small stick used to brush the teeth and it has innumerable health benefits. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad used it regularly and said:

“If it were not that it would be difficult for my nation, I would have ordered them to use the siwak for each prayer.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Many of us often underestimate the immense blessings we can obtain by following this sunnah. But Abdullah Al Almani, Founder and CEO of Royal Miswak, has a mission to revive the sunnah of siwak and express the many benefits that using the siwak has on our spiritual and physical well-being.

Abdullah says that this sunnah has helped inspire others to revert to Islam including himself, explaining how a friend of his, who initially was skeptical about Islam, had actually reverted after having experienced using the siwak and learning more about the religion.

So, for us, how can we develop the habit of using the siwakand making it special in our everyday lives? Here are some ideas.

1. Gift it

One way that we can make the siwak special and value it in our lives is to give it as a gift.

Abdullah said, “If we go back to our religion, we learn that the miswak was something our beloved Prophet loved and respected very much. It was considered an act of worship and a means of pleasing Allah ”.

“I started Royal Miswak because I wanted to revive the sunnah of miswak – and help people use it as a gift to their loved ones and to feel proud if they received one as a gift. I wanted people to use the miswak openly and be proud of their Islamic identity,” said Abdullah.

Gifting the siwak makes itsomething special and valuable as also you are giving something that was a much-loved utensil of the Prophet .

Abdullah hopes to inspire others to revive this sunnah as the Prophet said:

“Whoever revives one of my sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loves me, will be with me in Paradise.” [At-Tirmidhi]

2. Pocket it

This may seem strange but just as you carry your phone around in your pocket or handbag you can keep your siwak stick and take it with you wherever you go. This way you can utilize your siwak wherever you are such as after eating a meal or upon making wudhu, and you can gain countless blessings every time you use it.

3. Utilize flavored siwak

The siwak in its natural form has a distinct flavor and taste, however, if you want to encourage others to use it who may not like its natural taste you can try flavored siwak. You can get siwak in flavors such as rose, lemon, mint, and strawberry which is perfect for kids who want to try it as well.

4. Use it as a tool for dawah

We can use it as a tool for dawah and a great conversation starter to discuss the natural way of cleaning the teeth. Abdullah explains how one of his non-Muslim friends had inquired about Islam and he gave him a stick to use. His friend became interested in learning more about it and consequently, through learning the benefits of using this little stick and the variety of other sunnah practices, his friend reverted to Islam, masha Allah!

5. Make it visible

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives if we leave the siwak in a cupboard or somewhere that is kept hidden we may be less likely to use it. Try to keep your siwak in a visible area whether that is in the bathroom, on your desk or near your mirror so that it cannot escape your sight and you will remember to utilize it.

6. Constantly associate it with remembering Allah

Making dhikr and constantly remembering Allah whilst cleaning your teeth is the Sunnah manner and by doing so, you can reap countless blessings, after all, every time we remember Allah we are rewarded. If we have the association of using the siwak whilst remembering Allah in our minds we can further motivate ourselves to use it on a daily basis. There is nothing better than remembering Allah on a daily basis and we can utilize this by adopting this Sunnah practice.

7. Intend to please Allah by using it

We all want to earn the love of Allah but did you know that Almighty Allah becomes pleased with you when you use a siwak? Just by using the siwak you can not only purify your mouth but more importantly earn Allah praise. The Prophet said:

“The Miswak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rabb.” [An-Nasa’i]

8. Consider improving your health through it

The siwak has great health benefits which include aiding digestion, enhancing your memory, preventing tooth decay and disease, and purifying your breath. The siwak has also been reported to help ease headaches and toothache due to its natural antibacterial properties along witheliminating bad odors in the mouth making it fresh and clean.

9. Aim to break bad habits

Many people have stopped bad habits due to using this little stick as it has many antibacterial benefits and can help your overall well-being. Such bad habits that could potentially be abandoned are habits such as smoking.

Now you tell us, how did using the siwak help you and what are your suggestions for making the siwak a daily habit?

]]>http://productivemuslim.com/reviving-sunnah-siwak/feed/0ProductiveMuslim-Reviving-Sunnah-Miswak-Siwak-RoyalMiswak-600ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)14997http://productivemuslim.com/reviving-sunnah-siwak/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reviving-sunnah-siwakHomeschooling? Here are 7 Tips for a Productive Education that Instills God Consciousnesshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/itzu9ixHuSs/
http://productivemuslim.com/productive-education-instill-god-consciousness/#commentsThu, 03 Aug 2017 17:20:47 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=13106If you’re homeschooling your children, you must have thought of the following questions: What is the perfect learning system of education? Should we emphasize more on core subjects or the Islamic sciences? Can we have the best of both? Can we integrate the two so they are not mutually exclusive? Of course, these are all

If you’re homeschooling your children, you must have thought of the following questions:

What is the perfect learning system of education?Should we emphasize more on core subjects or the Islamic sciences?Can we have the best of both?Can we integrate the two so they are not mutually exclusive?

Of course, these are all vital questions because a balanced and holistic education is paramount to ensure that our children grow up graciously as slaves of Allah who love learning and strive to benefit the Ummah as a whole.

So, how do we achieve this ideal education and make Islam a way of life and raise Muslims upon Ihsan, (excellence)?

When I first started my homeschooling journey, I was on a mission to find the perfect curriculum. I was really disappointed to see so many secular curricula available but none that incorporated Islamic ideology. Secular education and Islamic education have pretty much been mutually exclusive – even in Islamic schools.

Was there a way to integrate the two and come up with a holistic and practical curriculum? It was important that it should be totally hands on, encourage good morals and manners, appeal to both boys and girls and most importantly – it needed to be FUN!

So, with the help of fellow home educators and teachers, we came up with a checklist for a productive education that instills God consciousness, in sha Allah. Here are 7 essential tips to remember.

1. Correct your intention

Educate with the intention of pleasing Allah . Reading, learning and contemplating about the signs of Allah have been emphasized in the Qur’an and hadith. The first command to the Prophet Muhammad was to ‘Read!’ [Qur’an: Chapter 96, Verse 1]. Intend to teach them so they grow up to be Muslims who are true slaves of Allah and who use their education to spread good and give back to the Ummah.

When your intentions are true, your work will be blessed.

2. Be a learner

You cannot teach someone something if you don’t have enough knowledge about it. You have to remain in touch with your subject constantly and stay updated. Read the Qur’an regularly, learn and revise tafsir and hadith.The peculiarity of the Qur’an is that each time it blesses us with a new aspect to discover and ponder over. This is a great motivation for children as they find what they have understood is infinitesimal in front of what they have yet to be learned.

Learn child and educational psychology

Even if they are our own children who grow up in front of our eyes, there is still a lot to learn about them, their behavior, their attitude, their interests, and their brain. There are plenty of books and free online courses available for self-study. Also, you can learn more about Islamic psychology which tells us, for example, we should not punish a child until s/he reaches the age of 10.

Stay updated with what happens in the world of knowledge

When you homeschool your children you need to be aware of what is happening in the outside world – what’s happening in the world of biology, do the archeologists discover a new historical site, does NASA have anything to amaze you… Subscribe to the academic and research newsletters, follow the blogs and research magazines, and always search for the ‘news’. Also, follow Muslim scholars on academic sites like Academia and professional social networking sites.

3. Make it Allah – Centered

To achieve an education system where the Greatness of Allah and His attributes and laws are clear, try to make references to verses from the Qur’an that relate to a particular learning objective and cover the tafsir (exegesis) of those verses. Suppose if the topic is how do birds fly, you can include

“Do they not see the birds suspended in mid-air up in the sky? None holds them up except Allah. There are certainly signs in that for people who have faith.” [Qur’an: Chapter 16, Verse 79]

and move on to explain how the structure of birds – the way Allah has created them – help them fly in the sky.

When the children are to be taught the history of man, help them to relate the punishments mentioned in the Qur’an and the way some civilizations ceased to exist.

Make the Qur’an relevant to their lives. When they come across a dilemma in life, let them reference the Qur’an for an answer. Let the Qur’an become a constant reference, an integral part of their studies. Guide them to question ‘What does Allah say about this topic?’

Make learning the tafsir together a follow-up activity or having a discussion on it a learning activity. There are some wonderful child-friendly resources for the explanation of the Qur’an like the Mini Tafseer series by Ad Duha Institute which you can use.

Include learning the attributes of Allah alongside normal learning objectives and make correlations whenever appropriate. Make the categories of tawhid – Tawhid Ar Ruboobiyyah (Unity of Allah’s Lordship) and Tawhid Al Uloohiyyah (Oneness of Allah ) the essence of the curriculum.

Remember Him in every instance – see His Greatness in everything.

4. Emphasize on interactive learning

There is a famous quote by US President Benjamin Franklin that is truly inspiring: ‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.’

Teach through engaging and relevant hands-on activities that will stimulate the students’ senses and help them understand and retain that information. Studies show that children learn the best through play and observation for at least the first seven years of their lives. Teach age appropriate activities and topics. Encourage child-led learning and teach them concepts that relate to their experiences. Islamically, teaching your children to learn to pray from that age has great importance in showing us the age when children are ready for structured learning.

Teaching children through play has been proven to be more effective like the Montessori or Steiner method of education. Giving them time to take a breather from routine and opportunity for unstructured play encourages creativity and stimulates the brain to be more inquisitive and inspire enquiry-based learning. Let them ask the questions! Facilitate an environment that encourages investigation and experimentation. Give them the freedom to explore and make mistakes. This will give them the confidence to take risks and be innovative. Praise effort and encourage an open mindset that will help them continuously improve themselves. Encourage outdoor learning through educational visits, educational and fun outdoor activities and experiments. Always encourage them to connect back to their Creator and be more mindful.

Finnish schools have shot to the top of international rankings for education systems. A close look at their system reveals the following:

There are no mandated standardized tests in Finland, apart from one exam at the end of students’ senior year in high school.

There are no rankings, no comparisons or competition between students, schools or regions.

They have a fifteen-minute break between lessons so children can play and refresh and they have fewer school hours.

Compulsory schooling starts at the age of seven.

This proves that less structured learning and more play helps student’s performance.

5. Teach them to contemplate

Contemplation is a lost ibadah. Time and time again, Allah commands us to contemplate and reflect upon the Qur’an. All knowledge is from Him and the knowledge of the physical universe that we perceive with our senses allows for exploration, examination, inductive reasoning and decision making. When delving into the knowledge and understanding of the world, there is every opportunity to study the signs of Allah and to contemplate on them. Allah says,

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 164]

In this day and age of constant distractions – social media applications have literally become weapons of mass distraction. We are a generation of people who have forgotten the art of reading and contemplating. When was the last time you picked up a good book and read it from cover to cover? With the guise of ‘no time’ and ‘being busy’ – how much of this precious commodity – the gift of time – do we waste away on social media? When do we then have time for contemplation on the signs of Allah ? We need to bring back to life this great ibadah and the command of Allah .

How do we teach our children to contemplate? Let them ponder over the verses of the Qur’an as they learn literature and English. Make them love nature and spend time just appreciating the beautiful signs of Allah as they learn their science. Ask them to think, infer and conclude rather than constantly feeding them with facts. And, let them jot down their observations and findings in their idea logs.

6. Facilitate Project-based learning (PBL)

PBL is a student-centered pedagogy which helps students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge. Choose a topic or central theme that is relevant to our deen and put together a unit study that will enable them to understand their learning objectives in the context of that topic. For example, you can choose a certain life instance of the Prophet where he faced an issue or was asked to judge between people. You can ask them what they would have done if they were in a similar situation or can ask if such situations exist in the present world or anywhere else in the history.

When a topic is covered, wherever possible, highlight with example and a chance to actively use that knowledge to fulfill their duties first as slaves of Allah and then to fellow members of the community. Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk! Teach by example and actively participate positively in the community, help those in need and do good in public and private.

7. Instill the love for the Prophet Muhammad

Role model the practices of the Prophet in various aspects of daily life. Delve into the seerah (life of the Prophet ) as you learn about different concepts like the best health practices for body and mind, how to balance different roles in your life, how to interact and use the best speech with others, how to manage your time and money… The reference to hadith and the ways of RasuluAllah can be easily integrated into every subject.

Study the manners of the Prophet and try to inculcate the lessons from hadith as an activity. For instance, you can study a hadith each week and try to find ways to implement it during the week. Let them write the hadith out as copy-work or make a poster for Arts and be creative. Re-iterate the same hadith every day for the entire week before your lessons. Ask them to take turns in teaching the hadith as well!

Final thoughts

As a parent, you can supplement your children’s learning with activities and curricula that follow these guidelines if your children go to school. If you are a home educator, take advantage of the freedom to tailor-make your child’s curriculum and learning experience to ensure a holistic learning experience.

Research about the teaching methods of the Prophet and his behavior towards children and emulate him by being merciful, forbearing, lenient and encouraging. Treat your children with respect as you teach them and remember that they learn best through imitation. You are their role model and that is a HUGE responsibility.

Alhamdulillah, there are numerous resources available on the internet that can allow you to teach in the way that has been outlined in this article. Home educating mothers around the globe have put their resources and thoughts on their blogs that are available – mostly for free – for those who wish to use them.

As a home educator and founder of the Taqwa Curriculum, I especially recommend the following websites and blogs, a list that is not exhaustible, alhamdulillah.

If you have come across beneficial websites that also follow the Qur’an and sunnah, please share them with us in the comments section below. Also, please tell us what are your ideas of a productive education for your chidren.

]]>http://productivemuslim.com/productive-education-instill-god-consciousness/feed/4ProductiveMuslim-Productive-Education-Instills-God-Consciousness-600Image credit: pexels[dot]com/photo/blackboard-business-chalkboard-concept-355988/subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)13106http://productivemuslim.com/productive-education-instill-god-consciousness/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=productive-education-instill-god-consciousness[Doodle of the Month] The Marriage Proposal Checklisthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/L43Rerc9xhs/
http://productivemuslim.com/doodle-marriage-proposal-checklist/#respondMon, 31 Jul 2017 05:00:41 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=15127Did you receive a marriage proposal and are unable to make a decision about it? Well, we bring you The Marriage Proposal Checklist to help make your decision easier. Print this doodle and/or gift it to your friends who’re currently considering a proposal. Help those you care about in making one of the most important decisions

Did you receive a marriage proposal and are unable to make a decision about it?

Well, we bring you The Marriage Proposal Checklist to help make your decision easier. Print this doodle and/or gift it to your friends who’re currently considering a proposal. Help those you care about in making one of the most important decisions in their life.

]]>http://productivemuslim.com/doodle-marriage-proposal-checklist/feed/0ProductiveMuslim-Marriage_Proposal_coverProductiveMuslim-Marriage_Proposal15127http://productivemuslim.com/doodle-marriage-proposal-checklist/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=doodle-marriage-proposal-checklistThe Good & Bad about Being an Extrovert: How to Refine One’s Characterhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProductiveMuslim/~3/g63rvooFNXo/
http://productivemuslim.com/refine-extrovert-character-how/#commentsThu, 27 Jul 2017 05:00:08 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=13257Our religion places much emphasis on refining one’s character. Prophet Muhammad says: “I was sent to perfect good character.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad] In our previous article on “How to be a Productive Introvert“, we reflected on the qualities of the introvert character. In this article, we reflect on the extrovert character. The first thing that comes to

In our previous article on “How to be a Productive Introvert“, we reflected on the qualities of the introvert character. In this article, we reflect on the extrovert character.

The first thing that comes to people’s mind when they think of someone who is an extrovert is that he/she are always active, they take the lead, love public speaking, are sociable, informal, practical, and outgoing…

There are indeed a lot of positive qualities, but in an attempt to refine one’s character, it’s necessary to examine the qualities that are encouraged and discouraged from an Islamic point of view.

Traits encouraged in Islam

1. Being friendly and approachable

As an extrovert, you have a bigger audience to impact, teach, inspire and help in learning, loving and living their deen.

Ibn Mas’ud reported:

Messenger of Allah said, “Shall I not tell you whom the (Hell) Fire is forbidden to touch? It is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible, having polite and tender nature.” [At- Tirmidhi]

Having a huge circle of friends/connections is great. But, the bigger the circle is, the more you should be aware of how you conduct yourself and how you speak and represent Islam.

Try to keep in mind that, while some people might think that following Islamic teachings hinder their social life, you have the power to prove the opposite. So, seize this opportunity. Whenever you’re out and about, remember to embrace the teachings of Islam, uphold to what’s permissible, and speak up against what’s prohibited. Do not let being an extrovert lead you to compromise your deen, rather take the lead to promote and support your deen.

2. Strong communication skills to help others

You can communicate feelings and emotions effectively; invest this talent in helping others reconcile.

As someone who is capable of expressing thoughts and feelings clearly, you can actually become a problem solver.

In a conflict, you are the first one to jump in and take action, whether by stopping the argumentation or by acting as a mediator between two partners who have reached a dead-end in their argumentation.

Acting as a channel of communication and helping in the process of reconciliation is a great act that is highly encouraged in Islam.

Narrated AbudDarda’ :

The Prophet said: Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer and almsgiving (sadaqah)? The people replied: Yes, Prophet of Allah! He said: It is putting things right between people, spoiling them is the shaver (destructive). [Sunan Abi Dawud]

So, always take the lead and help your friends, family, and colleagues reconcile. Conflicts are inevitable, but your God-given talent is here to help those in need.

3. Being around when needed

You are probably at every social gathering, so you can easily reap a wealth of hasanat (good deeds/rewards).

Being social means you have a lot of friends who will be celebrating different occasions of their lives at different times. There will always be someone who is getting married, having a baby, or going through tough times like illness or losing someone and/or a financial crisis.

It is an Islamic duty to be there for your brother/sister during their good and bad times. Remember to renew your niyyah (intention) in every social event you attend. For example, while visiting your sick friend or giving condolences at a funeral, you can be doing an act of ‘ibadah, gaining great hasanat and being in the presence of Allah Himself!

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah , who said that the Messenger of Allah said:

Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam , I fell ill and you visited Me not.
He will say: O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?
He will say: Did you not know that My servant so-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam , I asked you for food and you fed Me not.
He will say: O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?
He will say: Did you not know that My servant so-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam , I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink.
He will say: O Lord, how should I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?
He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me. [Muslim]

4. Positive energy invested in spreading goodness

You get motivated by an external stimulus. You like to be outdoors, with friends, meeting new people, trying new things, exploring your new neighborhood, etc. Because you get energized by going out and you are self-motivated and can carry on activities solo, your energy can be contagious and this might be the stimulus someone else needs. Make sure to make your interaction with strangers, as well as friends fruitful. Because you have God-given confidence and can easily start initiatives on your own, take niyyah to make them Islamic and in sincere service to Allah’s creations.

For example, start an initiative to visit an orphanage and play with/support the orphans regularly, collect money and bring necessary needs for the homeless you see in your neighborhood. Take care of animal shelters and so on. Because you are confident and outgoing, you can surely impact the community and leave a positive footprint.

Traits discouraged in Islam

1. Being a chatterbox

They say extroverts can talk to a brick wall. You being talkative and loving the idea of meeting new people and sharing your experience is not a bad thing. It might be easier for you to organize your thoughts by expressing yourself verbally. Just remember that talking too much might lead you to idle speech which is highly discouraged in Islam.

You must try to stay away from idle speech as much as you can. This does not necessarily mean you should not share your experiences, or initiate casual conversation, but this should not be the sole reason you have a conversation. Remember we are all here for a reason/a purpose. We are here to serve Allah and to spread the words of Allah and the teachings of Islam. Remember that servants of Allah are those who:

So, make your conversations purposeful. You can talk about a reflection of a Qur’anic verse you recently came across or a sunnah you started practicing so you can be a means of teaching, inspiring and helping others. Take a few minutes to think about meaningful/fruitful topics to share with people, instead of ending up being absorbed in empty conversations.

2. Lacking a filter when speaking

Sometimes you talk instantly and maybe impulsively without giving yourself adequate time to process the words you utter. It is not because of your bad intentions, but sometimes words come out from your mouth before you get a chance to think. It is essential to remember that talking abundantly is not necessarily a positive thing but talking effectively and wisely is.

Take a few seconds to think about what you are about to say. See if the words you are about to say will hurt anyone and -above all- think about whether Allah will be pleased by what you are about to say.

Remember that the Prophet has described a believer as someone who is:

“not a slanderer, nor does he curse others, and nor is he immoral or shameless.” [At-Tirmidhi]

3. Lack of appreciating silence

Silence might not be your best friend, but you have to remember that sometimes it is much better than talking uselessly. Very few people have regretted being silent but many regret something they said.

Remember in many situations, silence might just be the answer to a question, or the means to settle down an argument or avoid conflict. This does not mean you are a passive person, it just means you are smart enough to know when to engage in a conversation that will be fruitful and when to avoid harmful communication.

Remember that not everything said needs an answer and not every argument needs a rebuttal.

Our Prophet says:

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain good relation with kins; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” [Al-Bukhari]

4. Craving attention

You might always be pushed to take the lead, give a speech or even initiate a conversation. With your ability to embrace social awkwardness easily and because you speak smoothly and articulate your thoughts well, you find yourself most of the times at the center of a gathering. You are almost always either forcibly pushed to be under the spotlight or you volunteer to be the under the spotlight to avoid the awkward silence.

But whether you love being the center of attention or you’re being pushed to be there, make sure your ego does not kick in!

Make sure to always put your intentions on check and question yourself whenever you are in a position of centrality, power or leadership. Make sure spotlights does not diffuse arrogance in your heart and remove humbleness from it.

“He who has in his heart as much pride as a grain of mustard-seed will not enter paradise. And he who has in his heart as much faith as a grain of mustard-seed will not enter hell.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

Finally, it’s worth noting that Islamic teachings are not here to confine us, but rather help us fix our attitudes in a way that dignifies us and allows us to interact among one another in a respectful manner. It is Islam and how much we represent Islam correctly that elevate our status, not only in akhirah but also in dunya. Being under the spotlight discussing a worldly matter is good, but being under the spotlight representing the teachings of Islam is the best service you can do to yourself and others. Do not forget to renew your intention and seek hasanat in everything you do. I pray Allah bless you to live your life as a happy and productive Muslim extrovert, ameen!

Are you an extrovert? What are your tips to be a productive extrovert? What are the ups and downs in your experience? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

So, without further ado, we leave you with this interview; we encourage you to take notes of what you decided to incorporate in your own life and let us hear your thoughts in the comments section.

(1) Please remind our readers, why is it important for a Productive Muslim to have a happy and healthy heart?

This is an excellent question, masha Allah. As a Transformational Coach who focuses on a mind/body/spirit perspective, much of my work is around understanding and cultivating a happy and healthy heart, so that sisters can overcome past trauma, surmount obstacles, and connect with themselves and their Lord on a deep level. This allows them to grow as individuals and as part of our Ummah – living and shining as the highest versions of themselves, bi’thniAllah (with the permission of Allah ).

I firmly believe that for a Productive Muslim – someone who wants to thrive and excel in this life and the next – a happy and healthy heart is crucial, from a number of perspectives.

Spiritually – When it comes to maintaining and enhancing our spiritual connection, obeying Allah’s commands and staying away from what He has prohibited, and striving to be purposeful and productive in this life – a healthy heart is paramount.

Masha Allah, we all know this famous portion of a longer hadith:

“…Verily, in the body is a small piece of flesh that if it is healthy, the whole body is healthy and if it is sick, the whole body is sick. This small piece of flesh is the heart.”
[Sahîh al-Bukhârî]

In this, we can see the paramount importance of a sound and healthy heart, as it influences and directs the rest of our body. It influences our eyes and what we gaze upon, our ears and what we allow them to listen to, our mouth and the words we utter, our limbs and the actions we take, our feet and the places we walk to…

All of this (how we use our body) becomes what fills our book of deeds, which we will be asked about on the Day of Judgment. And our deeds are ultimately influenced by the state of our heart.

Physically – In order to move throughout life and to carry out your purpose in the most efficient and energetic way, physical health is important. The physical health of your heart (or lack thereof) greatly impacts your actions, the opportunities you are able to partake of – and ultimately your lifespan.

As Believers, we know that it is an amanah (trust) to maintain our physical health as much as possible, which aids in longevity, vigor, and, in sha Allah, increasing our ability to worship our Lord .

Emotionally – a heart mired in pain, doubt and confusion clouds your thinking, blocks your potential and creates an environment that is easy for Shaytan to whisper into.

When the emotional aspect of our heart is neglected, it is easy to become immobilized with fear and indecision, become prey to unscrupulous individuals, and suffer from a diminished sense of self-worth – none of which contributes to living life as a Productive Muslim.

2) What constitutes a happy and healthy heart?

Based on the framework above, a happy and healthy heart is one that is intimately connected to Allah , and always considerate of what will please its Lord , as well as cautious to avoid what would displease Him . This heart is pleased with Allah’s decree – while always striving to improve. This heart is gentle and gracious to those around it and strives to be a true example of the beauty of our deen.

A happy and healthy heart is one which is deliberately cared for by its owner, who understands that their eating habits, lifestyle, stress level and activity all have an influence on its health, effectiveness, and longevity. The owner of a happy and healthy heart places paramount importance on keeping it so.

A happy and healthy heart is also open to love and connection, seeks to actively work through and heal from pain or trauma, strives to be forgiving, and is open to looking at its own role in any problems it experiences. A happy and healthy heart owns the fact that it is capable of directing its emotions towards good, rather than anger, sadness, and destruction. A happy and healthy heart radiates outwards and leaves a lasting beneficial impression upon all who encounter it.

3) That was a beautiful definition. Now, what does the term “fill your cup” that comes in your work mean?

As humans, we do not come with a 24/7 constant infusion of energy, happiness, and spiritual awareness. It would be wonderful if our iman never weakened, our energy never waned, or our bodies never faltered – but this just isn’t the case.

Our overall health and happiness must be consciously and continuously cultivated – or the well will eventually run dry. This is especially true with the rigors of modern life and our many responsibilities. Most people are expending SO much of themselves – but rarely refueling, leading to their “cup” running dry.

So in essence, to fill one’s cup means that you are conscious about “refilling” your cup and refueling yourself in order to thrive.

4) How is this essential for a Productive Muslim?

Filling your cup is absolutely essential for a Productive Muslim. If you are someone who is a high achiever, who strives to maintain balance, efficiency, and productivity in your life and relationships – you MUST refill your cup on a consistent basis, so that you have the energy, creativity, and happiness to fuel your life and work. If not, this leads to burnout, resentment, and depression – far from being a productive member of the Ummah.

5) How could one go about “filling the cup” and ensuring that the heart is healthy and happy?

How one “fills their cup” depends a lot on their unique life situation, their likes and dislikes, their environment, and the responsibilities that they have on their plate.

For example, for a mother of young children, filling her cup may look like hiring a sitter once a week to get out and spend time focusing on her and only her for a bit, which allows her to be more energized and loving when she is back home.

For someone who is creative or loves nature, filling their cup may mean giving themselves regular opportunities to immerse themselves in artistic environments or regularly get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and trek into nature.

For someone who works alone at home, it may mean making a conscious effort to connect with friends or colleagues outside of their work environment to foster human connection, unwind, and share ideas.

The point is for each person to identify what activities, people, surroundings, and things fuel them, and this is one of the most beneficial things I help sisters I work with to discover, as it creates a positive ripple effect in every area of their lives, Alhamdulillah.

6) What are the repercussions of not “filling your cup”?

For something that we often think that we don’t have time, space, or permission to do often (fill our cup), NOT doing so creates a literal cascade of issues and problems in all areas of our life.

If we don’t give ourselves the time and space to recharge from the responsibilities of life, we can become resentful and negative towards the people closest to us. Not because we don’t love them – but because we are overworked and stressed out.

If we exhaust ourselves being the go-to person for every project, organization, and cause – but never set boundaries or slot in time to self-care, our intention can become corrupted and we’ll burn and crash in short order.

If you are too busy, distracted, or uninterested in eating well or maintaining your physical body, you will likely experience health problems sooner rather than later.

If you don’t set non-negotiable time and space to cultivate your spiritual connection and communicate with your Lord, life will be uncertain, painful, and disconnected.

All of this constitutes filling your cup. And my philosophy is that not only should you fill your own cup (shouldn’t wait for others to do it for you), but you must fill your own cup FIRST.

You can’t continue to give what you don’t have – or you will eventually be in a deficit.

7) How can we protect our hearts from depression, anxiety, and spiritual unwholesomeness?

The thing about the heart is that it requires consistent maintenance in order to stay in the best condition. Much like we need to eat well, exercise and avoid taking in impurities in order to keep the heart physically healthy – it’s the same spiritually.

Some means to protect the health of the heart:

From depression: Have good thoughts of your Lord , that He will aid you in your time of sadness and provide the solution to your problems. Understand and believe Him wholeheartedly when He says:

Narrated Abu Huraira :
The Prophet said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’ ”[Sahih al-Bukhari]

From anxiety: Anxiety is often based on fear and uncertainty. Cultivating tawakkul (trust/reliance upon Allah ) is a means of soothing the heart, removing fear and doubt, and allowing oneself to move through life unafraid of what potential problems lurk around every corner. By understanding that your fate is in the hands of Allah – and doing your best to remain in His obedience, you are able to maintain a sense of quiet confidence and hope, alhamdulillah.

From unwholesomeness: This is the most important area, especially in this day and age where corruption and lewdness are present at every turn – characterized as normal and entertaining. For the heart that strives for soundness and purity, it is critical that one guards against what is consumed.

One thing that I speak about often is the need to “guard your heart and mind space”. This means being conscious and vigilant about what you allow to penetrate and take up space in your heart and your mind – which then impacts your iman and overall spiritual condition. This includes carefully curating the environments you are in, the entertainment you consume, the friends you spend time with, the pastimes you enjoy, etc. Are these things fueling spiritual upliftment, or are they corroding your heart, which is the root of all good within you?

8) What productive tips can you give the readers to implement on a daily basis to ensure that their hearts and cups are full so that they may function as the very best Productive Muslims they can be?

Morning routine: One of my personal practices – and one that I recommend to clients and students is to set and maintain a morning routine.So often we start the day thinking about other people’s agendas, tasks that we have to complete and deadlines that we have to meet. However, before we jump into that, it’s important to have some quiet time in the early morning (I prefer right after fajr) to read Qur’an, do dhikr, relax with some tea, journal, be creative – essentially do something that calms and fuels you for the day ahead.

Adhkar: This was alluded to above, but deserves its own category. In the last ten years, the practice that I would say has contributed the most to my productivity, spiritual connection, and overall happiness – is to recite the prescribed adhkar in the morning and evening. This can take some time, as quite a few of them require repetition (some you say 3x, etc), however over time you get into a rhythm and find so much peace and comfort in reflecting on the power and might of Allah as you beseech Him to guide your day. This practice has made such an imprint on my life, that on the rare occasion that I miss reciting my adhkar, I can see and feel the difference in my day. Things just seem off.

Nature Therapy: One of the things I’m passionate about is allowing ourselves time to be still, reflect and heal – especially in our hectic society. One of the most healing and soul-filling activities to me personally, is to immerse myself in nature.
By drinking in the beauty, the freshness, and the perfect order that Allah displays in nature, you can reconnect to your fitrah, allow hurt to melt away and have a clearer mind with which to reflect on any problems you’re experiencing. And most importantly, nature fuels and energizes you so that you can then give to others in your life.

Qur’an: When it comes to filling our cup, the most critical advice would be to continually immerse ourselves in the sublime speech and guidance of our Lord . If the heart is the foundation for everything else, then the Qur’an is the medicine and guide for the heart. Whenever we feel stressed or disconnected, there is something within those pages to place things in perspective or provide guidance or hope. The Qur’an is our secret weapon and our greatest gift, alhamdulillah.

May Allah make us of those who strive to maintain sound and healthy hearts, to be used in His service. Allahuma ameen.

What are the habits that you have formed to ensure a healthy and happy heart? What habits or happenings drain your soul? We look forward to your answers in the comments.

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http://productivemuslim.com/9-ways-productive-intern/#commentsMon, 17 Jul 2017 05:00:17 +0000http://productivemuslim.com/?p=13094Many people look for a great internship, but few learn how to master their time and perform excellently as an intern. I learned this the hard way. We all know that the purpose of an internship is to gain insight into a field or industry. Yet, interns often find themselves doing menial tasks. For me,

Many people look for a great internship, but few learn how to master their time and perform excellently as an intern.

I learned this the hard way.

We all know that the purpose of an internship is to gain insight into a field or industry. Yet, interns often find themselves doing menial tasks. For me, I’ve often felt as though my time was not my own. This lack of control can be demotivating at times because it can make you feel unproductive. After many years of being an intern, however, I have learned to appreciate the value that each moment adds to my personal development. I’ve also learned more tips, and in this article, I will share with you the most important lessons to consider.

1. Aim for the perfect start of your day

I’ve learned that it’s important to start the day in the best fashion possible: wake up to pray Fajr, read the adkhar, have a good breakfast and leave your home with good/sincere intentions.

By doing so, you are starting your day in a positive manner that is in accordance with the Sunnah. Hence, you are attracting the barakah forces your way.

2. Make dua daily

When starting anything in life, we should always turn to Allah to ask for His guidance and help in ensuring we get the best out of what we’re doing.

So, make a habit of pleading for Divine assistance in obtaining optimum benefits from the experiences that lie ahead. Starting off with Allah in your mind and heart is the key to success.

3. Remember success shouldn’t come at the expense of Salah

Compromising salah for worldly accomplishments is a great recipe for spiritual suicide.

It’s very important to plan your day around Salah, and not compromise salah for your seemingly crammed schedule.

Even when you’re busy, always plan for your salah and take the necessary means to ensure you’re able to perform it on time.

Chasing academic/professional success can be stressful and sometimes demotivating. So, guarding your Salah takes care of your day by providing a focus on a greater purpose. This focus strengthens your will, and it ultimately helps you stay driven and focused on the goals you need to achieve.

I often find that by ensuring I pray on time, I am not easily distracted from the tasks at hand and this results in a more productive experience daily.

4. Take a book/podcast

One of my biggest tips is to prepare for times when you are not working.

So, have something to read or a beneficial podcast to listen to. This could be related to what you are pursuing or anything of interest. The free time can often add up to hours over the week and can be used in a much more productive fashion if you prepare for it in advance. When I started to utilize this time, I realized that I was learning even more than my co-workers simply because I was mindful of the time I had available. You can also split your free time between reading a book, and reading the Qur’an!

5. Be mindful of every minute you spend

If a supervisor or colleague is busy doing a task you have never done before, ask if you can watch. Though it might not be specific to your own objectives, getting the most out of your time as an intern is important when trying to be productive.

Your time as an intern may be limited and the opportunity of learning from those in the field is valuable, unique and should be adequately invested.

Remember that you are in your internship for a reason: to learn. So, if you finish your assigned task early or if you are not busy, ask for something to do. Sitting idly is not something that will benefit you, especially not when you are giving away precious moments to learn something new.

Push yourself to the forefront and get yourself involved in as much as possible.

6. Be the early bird

Be reliable and come in at the time requested. Not only will this help in maintaining a healthy routine for you, it is also important to show those you are working with that you are committed. This will help open other doors of opportunities for in the long run. If you are behind on work, come in even earlier to add in the time you need to hit deadlines.

If you are behind on work, come even earlier to add in the time you need to hit deadlines.

7. Be a list maker

If there are particular tasks you need to complete, activities you want to see or tasks to be done, make a to-do list for the day. Going in without a plan will leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed or confused.

8. Be proactive

Speak to your colleagues and let them know you have certain tasks you need to get done for that day as they may have some pointers on how to help you get them done. If there are work-based assessments or forms that you require others to give feedback on, speak to them early on so they are aware you require this from them. This will help you ensure they have the time to complete this for you for what you need it.

If there are work-based assessments or forms that you require others to give feedback on, speak to them early on so they are aware you need this from them. This will help you ensure they complete this for you on time.

9. Eliminate distractions

Do not let your phone, colleagues or lunch menu distract you. This will make completing tasks difficult and will only lead to bad habits in the long run. Make sure your phone is switched off, save the conversation with your colleagues for your break and ensure you are eating a balanced, nutritious meal for breakfast to keep you going for longer.

Also, keep some snacks handy to save you from your rumbling belly.

Overall, as Muslims, anything we do should be done with Ihsan (excellence) to the best of our ability without slacking. Not only will this give you the most out of your experience, but it will create a positive, lasting impression of Muslims in the workplace.

How did you manage your internship? What productive tips do you have to add to our discussion? Please share your comments with us below.